On 7 April 1998 Australians woke up to the startling news that dogs and security guards in balaclavas were invading the docks around the country, locking out workers.

A volatile mix of forces led up to this dramatic moment — a government determined to bring about change on the waterfront, an employer desperate as its share price tanked and a union with a reputation for fighting hard for its members.

In this ABC Rewind investigation into the Patricks waterfront dispute Jan Fran tells a story of high drama and political intrigue, a complex web of lies, double dealings, high-stakes leaks and guns. It takes us from Queensland's Ettamogah pub to the ports of Dubai, from low-rent motel rooms, to the highest court in the land. And all the way to the Prime Minister.

Unravel

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PRESENTS — Conspiracy? War on the waterfront

MAR 11, 20252 MIN
Unravel

PRESENTS — Conspiracy? War on the waterfront

MAR 11, 20252 MIN

Description

<p>On 7 April 1998 Australians woke up to the startling news that dogs and security guards in balaclavas were invading the docks around the country, locking out workers.</p><p>A volatile mix of forces led up to this dramatic moment — a government determined to bring about change on the waterfront, an employer desperate as its share price tanked and a union with a reputation for fighting hard for its members.</p><p>In this ABC Rewind investigation into the Patricks waterfront dispute Jan Fran tells a story of high drama and political intrigue, a complex web of lies, double dealings, high-stakes leaks and guns. It takes us from Queensland's Ettamogah pub to the ports of Dubai, from low-rent motel rooms, to the highest court in the land. And all the way to the Prime Minister.</p>